Georgia § 31-10-16 - Criteria for pronouncing death; immunity from liability.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 31-10-16 — Criteria for pronouncing death; immunity from liability., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-10-16. Criteria for pronouncing death; immunity from liability.
A person may be pronounced dead by a qualified physician, by a registered professional nurse or nurse practitioner authorized to make a pronouncement of death under Code Section 31-7-16 or 31-7-176.1, by an advanced practice registered nurse authorized to make a pronouncement of death under subsection (o) of Code Section 43-34-25, or by a physician assistant authorized to make a pronouncement of death under Code Section 31-7-16 or 31-7-176.1 or subsection (j) of Code Section 43-34-103, if it is determined that the individual has sustained either (1) irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory function or (2) irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem. A person who acts in good faith in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be liable for damages in any civil action or subject to prosecution in any criminal proceeding for such act. The criteria for determining death authorized in subsection (a) of this Code section shall be cumulative to and shall not prohibit the use of other medically recognized criteria for determining death. (Code 1933, § 88-1715.1, enacted by Ga. L. 1975, p. 1629, § 1; Code 1933, § 88-1716, enacted by Ga. L. 1982, p. 723, § 1; Code 1981, § 31-10-70; Code 1981, § 31-10-16 , enacted by Ga. L. 1982, p. 723, § 2; Ga. L. 1992, p. 1392, § 3; Ga. L. 2009, p. 859, § 9/HB 509; Ga. L. 2017, p. 625, § 3/SB 96.) The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, in subsection (a), inserted "or nurse practitioner", inserted "31-7-16 or", inserted "by an advanced practice registered nurse authorized to make a pronouncement of death under subsection (o) of Code Section 43-34-25,", and inserted "Code Section 31-7-16 or 31-7-176.1 or". Law reviews. - For article, "Baby Doe Cases: Compromise and Moral Dilemma," see 34 Emory L.J. 545 (1986). For note, "Incubating for the State: The Precarious Autonomy of Persistently Vegetative and Brain-Dead Pregnant Women," 22 Ga. L. Rev. 1103 (1988).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 31-10-16
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 31-10-16 cover?
Section 31-10-16 ("Criteria for pronouncing death; immunity from liability.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 31-10-16?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 31-10-16" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 31-10-16 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.